My wife owns a Forester XT and it's also unable to use weight distribution as well. Subaru's are unibody frames vs. a standard tow vehicle which which is a separate frame and separate body attached to the frame, which is called body on frame. You probably have noticed trucks have the monikers F150/1500, F250/2500, F350/3500, etc. You probably have noticed the body isn't very different on any of the above options, however, the frame, suspension, transmissions, and other vital components that enhance towing and carrying cargo are beefed up and upgraded for additional weight. Now when you think of a Subaru, you don't have a Subaru Ascent 150/1500, Subaru Ascent-250/2500, Subaru Ascent 350/3500, you simply have an Ascent with changes to the interior and possibly some other upgrages, but you can't upgrade the unibody with beefier and heavier duty metal to carry more weight. You can do stuff like upgrade sway bars etc to have a better enhanced ride, but you can't upgrade the frame because the frame is intertwined or welded together as a unibody vs. bolted ONTO a frame. If you own multiple pairs of shoes, a unibody would imply you were born with some cool velvet shoes, but when you go hiking you can't upgrade your shoes. when you go swimming you cant switch your shoes, etc. if you had a vehicle that was body on frame you could theoretically unbolt the body and bolt it onto another frame. with a subaru ascent the body and the frame are one and the same. with that said, the weight distribution works with leverage and rely on a frames rigidity to withstand the torque and torsion happening behind tow vehicle. a body on frame's rigidity is completely different than a unibody's rigidity and strength that you'd probably not want disturbed by a weight distribution system if you get in an accident. you'd want 100% of the unibody's strength to go into protecting your family and loved ones. body on frame the body is not affected by this because it's basically an afterthought placed on top of a rigid frame meant for different loads and weights (150/1500 - 250/2500 - etc.). Longwinded hope that helps.
Very well explained. I’ve never had it explained this way. Thank you for that. With that said do you think I can still pull a trailer with my Subaru Ascent? If so, which would you recommend? I’m looking for something with a dinette and a queen size mattress the rest doesn’t really take priority. 😊
Very well explained. I’ve never had it explained this way. Thank you for that. With that said do you think I can still pull a trailer with my Subaru Ascent? If so, which would you recommend? I’m looking for something with a dinette and a queen size mattress the rest doesn’t really take priority. 😊
the latest 2025 models have a dual 15K BTU A/C slash 12K BTU Heat Furnace combination unit installed on the roof. The side A/C was 5K BTU A/C ONLY but based on the new inventory may have been deprecated for the more robust heating and cooling rooftop unit.
depends on your needs right? if all you have is a vehicle that tows up to 3500 lbs max then having something as light as 1300-1500 dry is great because it provides shelter in a very light package. think about it... it has a restroom, refrigeration, sleeping, cooking, and tons of other benefits that would help you stay safe from the elements. that alone makes these worth a second look! what floorplan do you feel is adequate as an alternate to this rove lite?
It's nice and enough, only for one! Person.
it's definitely nice for one person and more if needed. :) enjoy!
Do you know why Subaru doesn’t recommend this? It’s own a Subaru Ascent and I was actually thinking of purchasing something like this.
My wife owns a Forester XT and it's also unable to use weight distribution as well. Subaru's are unibody frames vs. a standard tow vehicle which which is a separate frame and separate body attached to the frame, which is called body on frame. You probably have noticed trucks have the monikers F150/1500, F250/2500, F350/3500, etc. You probably have noticed the body isn't very different on any of the above options, however, the frame, suspension, transmissions, and other vital components that enhance towing and carrying cargo are beefed up and upgraded for additional weight. Now when you think of a Subaru, you don't have a Subaru Ascent 150/1500, Subaru Ascent-250/2500, Subaru Ascent 350/3500, you simply have an Ascent with changes to the interior and possibly some other upgrages, but you can't upgrade the unibody with beefier and heavier duty metal to carry more weight. You can do stuff like upgrade sway bars etc to have a better enhanced ride, but you can't upgrade the frame because the frame is intertwined or welded together as a unibody vs. bolted ONTO a frame. If you own multiple pairs of shoes, a unibody would imply you were born with some cool velvet shoes, but when you go hiking you can't upgrade your shoes. when you go swimming you cant switch your shoes, etc.
if you had a vehicle that was body on frame you could theoretically unbolt the body and bolt it onto another frame. with a subaru ascent the body and the frame are one and the same. with that said, the weight distribution works with leverage and rely on a frames rigidity to withstand the torque and torsion happening behind tow vehicle. a body on frame's rigidity is completely different than a unibody's rigidity and strength that you'd probably not want disturbed by a weight distribution system if you get in an accident. you'd want 100% of the unibody's strength to go into protecting your family and loved ones. body on frame the body is not affected by this because it's basically an afterthought placed on top of a rigid frame meant for different loads and weights (150/1500 - 250/2500 - etc.). Longwinded hope that helps.
Very well explained. I’ve never had it explained this way.
Thank you for that. With that said do you think I can still pull a trailer with my Subaru Ascent? If so, which would you recommend? I’m looking for something with a dinette and a queen size mattress the rest doesn’t really take priority. 😊
Very well explained. I’ve never had it explained this way.
Thank you for that. With that said do you think I can still pull a trailer with my Subaru Ascent? If so, which would you recommend? I’m looking for something with a dinette and a queen size mattress the rest doesn’t really take priority. 😊
That’s a good floor plan. Do they not make the one with the window AC anymore?
the latest 2025 models have a dual 15K BTU A/C slash 12K BTU Heat Furnace combination unit installed on the roof. The side A/C was 5K BTU A/C ONLY but based on the new inventory may have been deprecated for the more robust heating and cooling rooftop unit.
Tankless water heater
you're right thanks friend!
That's to small!
depends on your needs right? if all you have is a vehicle that tows up to 3500 lbs max then having something as light as 1300-1500 dry is great because it provides shelter in a very light package. think about it... it has a restroom, refrigeration, sleeping, cooking, and tons of other benefits that would help you stay safe from the elements. that alone makes these worth a second look!
what floorplan do you feel is adequate as an alternate to this rove lite?